Dynamic Software Module Loading for Wireless End Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensor networks rely on static end nodes with limited flexibility, where variability in behavior is managed by higher-functionality access points, lacking dynamic management capabilities, which complicates behavior changes and restricts adaptability to varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods for dynamically managing functional configurations of end nodes in wireless networks by allowing them to transition between different software modules in response to trigger events, such as emergency conditions or communication failures, enabling adaptive behavior changes without requiring rebooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end nodes use static software modules with fixed functional configurations, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to varying conditions deteriorates and behavior flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software module loading that allows end nodes to transition between different functional configurations based on runtime conditions. The system dynamically loads, replaces, and executes different software modules without requiring node rebooting, enabling behavior changes in response to trigger events such as emergency conditions or communication failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the end node functionality into separate software modules, each representing a distinct functional configuration. This modular architecture allows individual modules to be loaded, replaced, or updated independently, enabling flexible behavior changes while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If end nodes dynamically load and replace software modules in response to trigger events, then adaptability and behavior flexibility are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where end nodes automatically detect trigger events, autonomously load appropriate software modules, and transition between functional configurations without requiring manual intervention or complex external management. The nodes self-manage their behavioral changes in response to conditions such as emergency detection or communication link failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple software modules with different functional configurations that are prepared in advance. When trigger events occur, the system can quickly switch to pre-prepared modules rather than creating new configurations on-demand, reducing management complexity while maintaining behavioral flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software modules are stored and managed in end nodes, then functional versatility is improved, but memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by loading only the specific software module needed for the current functional configuration rather than having all modules actively resident in memory simultaneously. The system loads modules on-demand based on trigger events and operational needs, reducing memory requirements while maintaining access to multiple functional configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems (100) and methods (200) for dynamically managing Functional Configurations (“FCs”) of network nodes (104, 134-138). The methods involve performing operations by a First End Node (“FEN”) in accordance with a first FC. FEN (104) has a first Software Module (“SM”) stored thereon specifying the first FC. The first SM (122) comprises a total set of codes/functions which determine how a network node is to behave. The first EN detects a trigger event for triggering a transition from the first FC to a second FC. In response to the trigger event, the FEN automatically and dynamically obtains, from a remote network node (134, 136, 138 or 144), a second SM (150 or 126) that is different than the first SM. The first SM (stored on FEN) is then replaced with the second SM. The FEN executes the second SM such that it operates in accordance with the second FC.